The House

Erik Singer reads Daniele Steel's newest with wit, skill, and an uncommonly pleasant voice that keeps one listening even when the writing is clunky. Generally agreed not to be Steel's best, this book follows attorney Sarah Anderson as she searches for happiness in her successful but emotionally arid life. An unexpected inheritance frees her to pursue her dream of restoring a crumbing San Francisco mansion. In the process, she finds love, marriage, and motherhood. Singer's clear reading can't help but highlight the repetitiousness of Steel's writing. But he glosses over the reiterations as gracefully as possible and provides interesting interpretations of the main characters that reveal his evident narrative skills. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

August 15, 2006
Sarah Anderson, a 37-year-old estate attorney, is fed up with her monotonous life. She puts in very long hours in her office and is involved in an unhappy relationship with a man who will only see her on occasional weekends. Then a beloved elderly client dies and leaves Sarah a generous inheritance. He also leaves a message asking her to use his money for something wonderful, to enjoy her life, and do something enterprising. Following his suggestion, Sarah breaks up with her deceitful boyfriend, buys a rundown old mansion, and focuses all of her attention on fixing it up. She employs the help of architect Jeff Parker, who shares Sarahs excitement for refurbishing this beautiful old home. As she and Jeff work to restore the house, Sarah also begins to repair her life. Steel keeps the listener interested in this predictable page-turner. Read by Erik Singer, House is a fine addition to popular fiction collections.Carol Stern, Glen Cove P.L., NY

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.